Interactive Tool: Are You Ready to Quit Smoking?

What does this tool help you learn?

This interactive tool measures your readiness to quit smoking. The tool
uses the stages-of-change approach, which is based on research about how people
typically make behavior changes. The approach suggests that to make positive
change, most people go through distinct stages from not thinking about quitting
to actually quitting. Based on your answers, this tool will identify the stage
you are in and help you think about what to do next.

What does your score mean?

Not ready. You are not
considering quitting for a variety of reasons. You may think that the benefits of smoking
outweigh its risks or that you cannot stop smoking.

Thinking about it. You may have mixed feelings about quitting.
In this stage you acknowledge that smoking is a problem, but you are not ready
or not sure you want to quit. For example, you may want to quit but believe
that you cannot quit because of past failures.

Preparing. You are motivated to quit smoking and are making
small steps toward that goal. In this stage, it is important that you gather
information about how to quit so that you understand what you must do to make
this major lifestyle change.

In the process.
This is the stage where you are actively taking steps to quit smoking. You will
need willpower to prevent starting smoking again. Congratulate yourself for
taking this step.

Have quit. To keep
your current nonsmoker status, you must continue to successfully avoid
temptation. This means anticipating situations in which you might slip up and
avoiding those situations. It may take years before the temptation to smoke
completely leaves and this change is truly established.

Have relapsed. If you start to smoke again, don't be
discouraged. It doesn't mean you can't quit for good. For most people, it
usually takes several tries at quitting before they finally quit. Think of
quitting smoking as a process. Learn from this experience at trying, and you
will be one step ahead.

What's next?

Quitting smoking, like most major
lifestyle changes, is a process. Understanding where you fall in this
process—your current stage of change—will help you and your doctor find the
right strategy. The best way to stop smoking is to get help and to follow a plan.
You can increase your chances of
quitting by using medicines, such bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix). Or you can use nicotine replacement therapy (gum, lozenges,
patches, nasal sprays, or inhalers). Counseling (by phone, group, or one-on-one) can also help. And
using both medicines and counseling works even better.

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